The Pneumonia Virus

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Did you know Pneumonia causes up to 40,000 deaths in the U.S. annually? What is a virus? A virus is a non-living organism (A2). The word virus comes from the Latin word “Poison”. Viruses are classified into three main groups: animal, plant, and bacteria (B2). Then bacteria is broken up into two more groups: archebacteria and eubacteria. A typical virus is composed of DNA or RNA and is surrounded by a protein coat. Pneumonia is one virus that can affect the community is Pneumonia. There are many things that go or come with Pneumonia, so here is some background information. The viruses name is Pneumonia. Pneumonia is both the common and scientific name. This virus has caused several epidemics. One occurred in Worcester, Mass. The epidemic included 110 cases at the state hospital. (C2) It happened in the early months of 1937. This incident was only one type of Pneumonia that broke out. This type of Pneumonia is called Type I Pneumococcus. The structure of the virus has a neat shape. The virus’s characteristics are interesting. As you can see some of the virus is circular, while other parts have more of an oval shape to them (D2). They can also be different colors. You can get this virus many different ways. The bacteria/viruses living in your nose, sinuses, or mouth, and can easily spread to your lungs (E2). Another way is airborne. The germs that are in the air can be breathed into your lungs. Lastly, if you inhale certain foods, liquids, vomit, or secretions from your mouth into your lungs, that can give you pneumonia. Secretion is when a substance is discharged from a part of your body. Some symptoms for Pneumonia are a cough with bloody mucus, a fever (mild or high), and chills. Others may be shortness of breath, sharp stabbing chest pains, sweating, clammy skin, and confusion (F2). Even though there are many ways you can get Pneumonia, there are also many

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